Ilex Crenata Dark Green

Description

Commonly known as box-leaved holly, Ilex crenata is a slow growing evergreen shrub often chosen as an alternative to box ( Buxus sempervirens ) as it is resistant to box blight, box caterpillar and extremely low temperatures.

It has a dense and compact habit, with lovely small oval, dark green, glossy leaves making it ideal for topiary. It produces a small insignificant white flowers followed by small black berries that again are not very decorative but much loved by birds.

It is excellent for trimming into geometrical shapes as it tolerates repeated pruning and the hedging makes a good low hedge from 30cm to 90cm high.

Prefers fertile, well drained soils.